Houston Daily

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has reached out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, advocating for the establishment of a new sterile fly facility at Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas. This initiative aims to protect Texas livestock and wildlife from the New World Screwworm.

In her letter, Congresswoman De La Cruz highlighted the historical significance of Moore Air Base, which housed a similar facility in the 1960s that successfully eradicated the New World Screwworm. She pointed out that "the threat of invasive fly species, such as the New World screwworm, poses a significant risk to the health and economic well-being of our agricultural sector and the delicate balance of our ecosystems."

De La Cruz emphasized several advantages of selecting Moore Air Base for this facility: its proximity to Mexico's border is crucial for monitoring and controlling potential incursions; it has existing agricultural infrastructure that would support efficient integration; it serves as a strategic location for distributing sterile flies across southern United States; and it could have positive economic impacts by creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

She concluded by urging Secretary Rollins to consider establishing this vital facility in Texas’ 15th Congressional District at Moore Air Base, stating she is ready to provide any additional information or support needed during the evaluation process.